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In a world where technology surrounds us, careers in the field are growing and expanding. Middlesboro High School science teacher Willie Blechschmidt is giving students an opportunity at a bright start in the realm of science, technology, engineering and math or STEM.

Last week was the Summer STEM Camp held at SKCTC. The program featured several hands-on project which taught students about solar energy, proper insulating in a home, robotics and STEM basics.

“We’ve been focusing, this year, on sustainable energy and how this could affect our lives and it’s really changing the way people look at engineering and technology, STEM as a whole,” said SKCTC professor Joe Johnson.

This annual program is open to students ages 12 to 16. It aims to increase interest in the STEM opportunities at MHS and give students an outlook for job opportunities and a new way to view the world around them.

“Really, STEM at the high school level teaches a thought process. It’s thinking logically and step-by-step and the more people we can get to think in this manner, with the problem solving, the better things are going to be and that’s really the goal,” said Blechschmidt.

MHS freshman student Daniel Hurst constructed a home from popsicle sticks. They tested the house for insulative properties and discussed budgeting building materials, blueprints and how different types of building materials can affect energy savings.

“Not everybody is going into a career of engineering — that’s not possible — but if we could get everyone to think in a logical way then it’s a whole different mindset and a whole different, a better, way of looking at things,” said Blechschmidt.